Earlier that evening, while Clara was dining with Anthony, James sat in a dimly lit bar with Lori and their social circle, knocking back cocktails.
Jerrell had organized this gathering. James had agreed to come, though Anthony declined the invitation, claiming prior plans with his girlfriend.
The moment Jerrell spotted James at the bar, he sauntered over with a smirk. "So Anthony finally won Clara over?"
James had just settled onto the leather barstool. The question made his jaw tighten. "Where'd you hear that?"
"Asked Anthony to join us, but he said he's with his girlfriend. He's been pursuing Clara for weeks - sounds like she said yes."
James' expression darkened like storm clouds gathering. "Impossible."
"Why so sure?" Jerrell pressed, leaning in with undisguised curiosity.
James
